Written: Peter Field Esq, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex

Salutation: Dear Lord-Lieutenant or Dear Sir

In a speech: In the preamble the Lord-Lieutenant should be referred to as “My Lord-Lieutenant”. A speech might begin “Lord-Lieutenant, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen “

Conversation: On formal occasions – Lord-Lieutenant or Mr Field

How long does the Lord-Lieutenant’s appointment last?

The appointment is not for a fixed period. A Lord-Lieutenant serves until his or her 75th Birthday.

How does one get appointed as a Lord-Lieutenant?

The Sovereign, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, appoints Lord-Lieutenants. The opinions of a wide range of citizens in the county are taken before the Prime Minister advises The Queen on possible appointees.

Who is eligible for appointment as a Lord-Lieutenant?

Any person who is resident in the county is eligible for appointment as Lord-Lieutenant.

It is the Lieutenancy Office that liaises with Buckingham Palace, the Private Office of the prospective Royal visitor and the host organisation

How should I address Members of the Royal Family?

For The Queen: Your Majesty on the first occasion and Ma’am thereafter. Other female members of the Royal family who hold the title Her Royal Highness: Your Royal Highness on the first occasion and then Ma’am.

For male members of the Royal Family who hold the title His Royal Highness: Your Royal Highness on the first occasion and Sir thereafter.

How can I nominate someone for an honour?

The honours system recognises people of outstanding merit, and those who have committed themselves to service to the nation and to their communities. You can submit a nomination at any time. Find out more about the honours process and how you can nominate someone for an award Click here

How can I apply for, or nominate, an organisation for a Queen’s Award?

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is awarded for outstanding achievement by groups who regularly volunteer their own time to enhance and improve the lives of others. To nominate a group or find out more visit the The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service website Click here

The Queen’s Award for Enterprise are the UK’s top awards for business performance. They are presented in three categories:

international trade

innovation

sustainable development

For an application form and to find out more, including whether your business meets the criteria necessary to apply, visit The Queen’s Award for Enterprise website.

The Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion is given to individuals who have played a major role in promoting the spirit of enterprise in the UK. There is a maximum of ten awards each year. To nominate someone for an award visit the Queen’s Award for Enterprise website Click Here

How can I apply for a wedding anniversary or birthday greeting from The Queen?

HM The Queen sends congratulatory messages to those celebrating their 100th and 105th birthday and every year thereafter, and those celebrating their 60th, 65th and 70th wedding anniversaries and every year thereafter. You can find the forms and further guidance on the British Monarchy website Click Here

Who takes precedence – is it the Mayor, High Sheriff or the Lord Lieutenant?

The Lord Lieutenant is Her Majesty The Queen’s representative in the County. He takes precedence over all civic dignitaries that might be present at an event or function and will be treated as if Her Majesty were present at the occasion – click here for more details

What is a High Sheriff and how long do they serve?

The High Sheriff of East Sussex is appointed by the Sovereign at the March meeting of the Privy Council to hold Office for one year, having been nominated at a ceremony in the Royal Courts of Justice nearly three years previously. The Privy Council ceremony follows centuries of tradition, with Her Majesty using a brass bodkin to prick the name of the High Sheriff who will take office in early April.

The High Sheriff is The Queen’s legal representative in the County and that role is discharged in providing hospitality to visiting High Court Judges, as well as regular attendance at East Sussex’s Courts. The High Sheriff will also be involved in numerous visits around the County providing opportunities to support agencies involved with crime prevention and law enforcement and to engage with volunteer bodies on appropriate issues.

The office is the oldest secular office in England and Wales other than the Crown, and dates back to Saxon times, when the name was ‘Shire Reeve’. Originally, the Shrievalty (pronounced ‘shreevalty’), as it is known, performed many responsibilities now assumed by Lord-Lieutenants, High Court Judges, Magistrates, Coroners, local authorities, the Inland Revenue and police.

Members of both Houses of Parliament, full-time members of the Judiciary, serving members of the regular armed forces and certain holders of other public offices are not eligible to serve as High Sheriffs. Historically, the prospective High Sheriff must hold sufficient land within the County ‘to answer The Queen and her people’. Other than that, there is no formal qualification for the role. The office is unpaid.

Who is the current High Sheriff of East Sussex?

The High Sheriff of East Sussex is Major General John Moore-Bick CBE DL.

The Lieutenancy in East Sussex

You and your community group, be it association, charity, club or specific interest group can learn all about the Lieutenancy in East Sussex, its history, what it does and what it can do for you. Make contact through Lieutenancy in the Community. You will find the link in this site. Our Deputy Lieutenants are happy to come and give a presentation by arrangement. Topics typically covered are the history of the Lieutenancy, Queen’s Awards, Honours, and community support,

Keep Up To Date

Lord Lieutenant Message

East Sussex is a beautiful County with a rich history. Its citizens are friendly and welcoming, but we do have areas of deprivation and we all need support from time to time. If you live in our County, whether it be in the city and urban environment or in a rural area I would like to urge you to get involved, by volunteering if you can or by taking an active part in whatever way is appropriate for you to enhance both our environment and the lives of those who live in it.